For those of you that do not know, Minnesota has passed a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis. It is going to take a while to implement but right now, those in the hemp-derived cannabinoid market are confused. I have heard a number of false rumors going around about how this bill impacts the current hemp industry […]
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A year before legalizing recreational cannabis, the Minnesota legislature surprised many by passing a law allowing for the sale of certain products intended for human consumption containing up to 5 mg of hemp-derived THC. Passed in 2022, this law was not the same as legalizing marijuana because the THC used in the products must be […]
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In Minnesota, we got a nice ruling from the federal courts – farm wineries in Minnesota do not need to use 51% Minnesota ingredients. Farm wineries have always had an out from this obligation and could petition the state to get around it by essentially stating that they cannot meet the requirement due to lack […]
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The Coronavirus pandemic has caused a profound and pervasive impact on almost every facet of daily life around the world. This impact is felt especially acutely by small businesses, including breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Over the course of just a few weeks, once busy taprooms have been completely emptied, distilleries have begun distilling hand sanitizer […]
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Many lending agreements with banks and the Small Business Administration contain “force majeure” clauses to remove liability when meeting obligations become impractical in light of certain catastrophes, disaster, or emergencies. Alcoholic beverage producers are likely going to be significantly impacted as a result of the pandemic, so you should review your loan documents to see […]
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Founders Brewing Co., Michigan’s largest brewery, is once again facing criticism after its Detroit taproom general manager refused to acknowledge a former employee’s race in a deposition relating to a discrimination lawsuit against the brewery. About The Founders Brewing Company Discrimination Lawsuit: A former Founders Brewing Co. employee, Tracy Evans, filed a racial discrimination and […]
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The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) must evaluate the ingredients and additives of certain wines, distilled spirits, and beers before the product can be made or imported, and before the importer or bottler may apply for a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA). When is TTB Formula Approval necessary? This “formula approval” is […]
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When the federal government shuts down, it has real-world impact. For those interested in craft beer, wine, and spirits, the government’s shutdown has closed the Tax and Trade Bureau (the agency charged with licensing and regulating alcoholic beverage producers and wholesalers). This has resulted in an inability of producers to obtain formula approval and label […]
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By now, many of you may have heard that Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. in Decorah, Iowa has sued its former head brewer, seeking to enjoin (or prevent) the former brewer from working at Thew Brewing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The breweries are roughly 100 miles from one another. Toppling Goliath filed the lawsuit on July […]
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